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From the return of Jesus Christ Superstar to a play about Princess Diana, YES Theater has revealed its ambitious 2025 season.

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“The city believes in everything Alessandro does,” said Marett McCulloch, YES Theater director of sales and advancement. “An announcement like this is exciting. Our vision is that we can be the Stratford of the North.

The Stratford in this case is the popular and iconic Stratford Festival, which runs from April to October in Stratford, Ontario.

And Alessandro is Alessandro Costantini, artistic director and general director of the YES Theater. Sudbury is becoming a destination for theater, Costantini said this week.

“We create opportunities for artists and audiences to connect,” Costantini said. “I’m really excited about the pieces we’re going to present. I’m excited about our next season.

“We’re bringing plays that I think the community will enjoy, as well as new plays that will reshape and educate the audience.”

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Costantini, in addition to being artistic director and general manager of YES Theater, will also perform in 2025. In addition, he wants YES Theater to continue to grow and develop actors, playwrights and support staff.

In recent years, YES Theater took over operations of the Sudbury Theater Center and opened The Refettorio on Durham Street, an outdoor theater that presents summer productions. Additionally, YES Theater offers acting classes to teens and children.

“It’s inspiring to see so many young people finding their place… finding their voice and taking on leadership roles here in the theater,” he said.

“We want to continue to expand all educational offerings (and) we hope to build a theater school – but that’s an announcement for a later date – to continue giving high-level training to young people.” So they can see their trajectory.

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Jake Deeth, who has been a permanent fixture at YES Theater since childhood, is also excited about the new season. “I will be on stage. I’m a “Southern lebrity” and I’m very, very, excited about 2025. It makes my heart beat faster. »

YES Theater’s first production of 2025 is Ground Hog Day the Musical, which opens February 14.

We know the movie and the story. Phil Connors, the jaded weatherman, is trapped in an endless loop where he gets a second chance and manages to discover himself.

Bad Hats Theater’s Alice in Wonderland is a contemporary take on a traditional tale. We were amazed by Peter Pan this summer and this promises to be of the same caliber. To watch on April 25.

If you loved Glee and American Idol, then Choir will add to your repertoire of young people who love to sing. This production runs from May 21 to 29.

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Colin Eady will be remembered for many roles, but I especially remember him as Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Oh, the voice: “I love being on stage…especially with these guys.” I’ve been involved since 2012. (Jesus Christ Superstar) was my first play.

Jesus Christ Superstar was picked up just before COVID-19. Guess what? YES is doing it again in 2025. In July, Webber and Rice’s rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, will return. Sudbury has already loved this and has extended its adoption many times. At 50 years old, it still possesses the electrifying dynamism of the original.

Eady reminds me that he was “born and raised in Sudbury. It’s great to be home. I worked in Toronto and then played Here Comes the Sun at Refettorio this summer. We felt like rock n’ roll stars. We were all over the place at this point.

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Jesus Christ Superstar will be on stage on July 9 and will last for one month.

A reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is set for July 22 and is modernized and has a Sudbury twist.

The Refettorio on Durham Street, meanwhile, will present the music of Fleetwood Mac.

Additionally, The Refettorio will host a series of open-air outdoor dining experiences. These are sure to be memorable and will feature menus prepared by local chefs. The dates of these celebrations will be shared as summer approaches.

Another unique opportunity for believers and Season Pass holders is A Night on Broadway, where actors who have performed on Broadway will strut their stuff.

And for something different, YES has scheduled Drag Brunch, which, at $45 and up, includes a meal, craft cocktails and a show. The monthly event will feature famous local artist Carmen Dior.

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In 1991, Diana, Princess of Wales, visited Casey House in Toronto and changed the world’s perspective on AIDS. She broke the stigma. Casey and Diana’s Stratford success is considered one of the greatest Canadian plays of the last decade. It opens in Sudbury on September 27.

To wrap up the season, favorite Annie will open on November 21. Knowing how popular it is with audiences young and old, it is highly likely that it will be sold out until December 22.

Go to ouitheater.com for all information on the 2025 program, to buy a Believers Pass or to reserve season or individual tickets.

The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible with funding from the federal government.

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X: @SudburyStar

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